Loggerhead Shrike, and Burrowing Owls in FL. 5/8/2024.

My two target species to see as Lifers when heading for a visit to my Mom in Florida were Loggerhead Shrike and Burrowing Owls. Not only was I able to see them in the first few days while in Cape Coral, but both bird species treated me to quite a show with the Shrikes (yes, a pair!) demonstrating why it is called the "Butcher Bird", and the Owls showing up with their young in great numbers.

The Loggerhead Shrikes are given that descriptive and gruesome name because they have a habit of snagging their prey onto a thorn or even barbed wire and returning to feed. Prey can be insects, amphibians or reptiles, and even other birds which is remarkable considering that they are about the size of a Bluebird. It wasn't until I looked at the photos on my computer that I noticed I captured a small toad that was impaled in the front of someone's yard on a palm thorn. Just, wow!

Between the Pelican Baseball Fields and the Cape Coral Public Library, Jose and I saw a total of 15 Burrowing Owls with the majority being young that were very close to fledging. They were so amazing and comical to watch and are now my favorite owl although the little Northern Saw-whet Owl that I held before being banded will always hold a special place in my heart.